About Raritan Valley Community College
The financial picture looks reasonable for a community college education. Students pay an average net price of $6,613 after aid, with low-income families paying just $5,059. Graduates earn a median of $48,145 ten years after enrollment, making the typical debt load of $10,500 quite manageable with monthly payments around $111. The 82.9% employment rate suggests most students find work relatively quickly after completing their programs.
The student body reflects New Jersey's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 31% of enrollment and Black students making up 12.8%. The Golden Lions field seven varsity sports with 99 total athletes competing in NCCAA competition. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio and only 35.3% completing programs within six years, students need to stay focused on their academic goals to maximize their investment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 35.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,145
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,791 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Associate | $39,927 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $37,748 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $36,134 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,803 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $20,687 |
Campus Life
Most Golden Lions live at home and drive to campus, which means weekends tend to be quieter on campus itself. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name in smaller classes. Students often head to nearby Princeton for entertainment or make the drive into Manhattan for weekend adventures. The diverse student body reflects central New Jersey's demographics, with 31% Hispanic and 40% white students mixing in hallways and study groups.
With 99 student athletes competing in seven sports, game days bring some school spirit to campus. The rural setting offers hiking trails and outdoor recreation, while the proximity to major cities means internships and job opportunities are just a train ride away.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1965
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–37°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- -750.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 52.0%
- Women
- 48.0%
- White
- 39.6%
- Black
- 12.8%
- Hispanic
- 31.0%
- Asian
- 6.0%
- In-State Students
- 99.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.6%
Location
- Address
- Branchburg, New Jersey 08876
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,145
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,952
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at Raritan Valley Community College?
Raritan Valley Community College operates with open admission, meaning they accept virtually all applicants who apply. The college enrolls 5,272 students and serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in central New Jersey. Nearly all students (99.23%) come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a local community resource.
How much does Raritan Valley Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,613 annually, with costs varying by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,059 after aid, while higher-income families earning over $110,000 pay $12,876. Only 26.64% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can afford the relatively affordable tuition without assistance.
What academic programs is Raritan Valley Community College known for?
The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio and focuses heavily on transfer preparation and workforce training. Students can choose from programs designed to transfer to four-year universities or enter the job market directly. The semester-based calendar system provides flexibility for both traditional and working students in central New Jersey.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Raritan Valley Community College?
The college achieves a 35.30% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the typical completion patterns for community college students. Graduates earn a median salary of $48,145 ten years after enrollment, with an impressive 82.9% employment rate. Monthly loan payments average just $111, making the education financially manageable for most graduates.
Where is Raritan Valley Community College located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in rural-fringe Branchburg, New Jersey, providing a quieter setting compared to urban community colleges. The Golden Lions compete in 7 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 99 total athletes. The college distributes $91,004 in athletic scholarships, supporting student-athletes in this smaller athletic program.
How diverse is the student body at Raritan Valley Community College?
The student population of 5,272 is diverse, with 39.57% White students, 31.01% Hispanic students, and 12.75% Black students. The gender split is nearly even at 51.97% men and 48.03% women. This diversity reflects the changing demographics of central New Jersey and creates a multicultural learning environment for students.
